Russia threatens to block Europe-Asia overflights

[MOSCOW] Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev warned yesterday that Russia could block overflights between Europe and Asia in retaliation for Western sanctions.

Mr Medvedev said the Russian government was considering a series of measures in response to Western sanctions that shut down the country's first low-cost airline.

"First is a ban on using the airspace of our country for transit flights by European and US airlines in the . . . Asia-Pacific region," said Mr Medvedev. "Of course this is a severe measure. Nevertheless, we need to mention it."